Health gap

A north-south gap in health is more than 30 years in some areas exists between communities in England and Wales, according to new government figures.

The Office for National Statistics measured 'healthy life expectancy' and found that people in Didcot could expect 86 healthy years while in parts of Middlesborough the figure was 55. The study should that nine of the top 10 healthiest sport in the country were to be found in the south.

Financial penalties are being lifted from high-profile standards including cancer and elective waiting times, so far without attracting much attention. How is this happening? And will it work, asks Rob Findlay